Newbie - getting my first "real" bike, so excited

[firenze11]

The excitement continues!

I went in to my LBS today to make sure the 54 fit me and got to finally test ride it outside. I loved it, had it fitted, and brought my new Jakey boy home today. I was pretty torn for awhile about JTS versus Jake but am comfortable with my decision now. The guy at the LBS who helped me seems partial to the triple on the Jake and I think it will come in handy for me.

I also got a Blackburn fluid trainer, a smooth tire for my rear wheel when I use the trainer, and a riser block.

My next step will come in a few weeks when I get some clipless pedals and proper shoes. I'm going to be trying to use them on the trainer so I can get comfortable with clipping in and out with more stability. The LBS is keen on getting me some walkable, more mountain bike style shoes/pedals. He suggested SPD, I think.

I rode Jake for the first time on my road today and it's so much better than the road bike I tried. Our road is stone chip and oil and there was so much less vibration, it was wonderful. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow so I can go play some more.

I'll get some pics tomorrow and share them!

~E.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

YAY!!!!
Sounds like you got a great bike. And sounds like you have a bike shop that cares, too.
Can't wait for pictures!

[onimity]

Congrats!!!

I can't wait to see the pictures! Have you named it Jake? Konas seem to come with names that work already. My Cinder Cone is 'Cindy'

I love the description of the Jake on the Kona Site: "The Jake will get you started in the art of turning your lungs inside out for 60 minutes on a weekly basis."

SPDs are a great way to go for clipless...they are easy to get used to and there are a lot of shoes that are easy to walk around in. Make sure that you get shoes that are *really* comfortable, though. If you start riding longer distances you will really regret a pair of shoes with a mediocre fit.

You will really love that bike, I think, and your LBS sounds awesome. There is nothing better than a LBS that really takes care of you.

Anne

[Jo-n-NY]

congratulations and welcome to the forum. You came to the right place to express your cycling enthusiasm.

Enjoy your bike and feel free to post your ride reports

~ JoAnn

[rij73]

Congrats! If you needed a triple crankset, then sounds like you made the right decision... Enjoy! And post pictures!!!

[firenze11]

Ok, I'm back with some pictures.

Onimity - I've started calling him Jake (and apparently decided it's a him) since Kona picked a good name for the bike already. I do want to find a more personal nickname though. I'm open to suggestions from all. Actually I told my friend about my bike yesterday and referred to it as Jake. She thought I'd gone bonkers and done it out of my love for Jake Gyllenhaal.

Also I saw a beautiful blue Cinder Cone yesterday, my Dad actually found it first and said "ooh I want this one" haha. It looks like a fantastic bike and I love Cindy for the name, it fits. Thanks for the advice on the shoes too, I'll make sure to get something that fits well and is comfortable.

On with the pictures!!!







It took me forever to get the images to work, I hope they aren't to huge. Lemme know.

~E.

[oakee]

Congrats on getting your new bike! It is very exciting. I purchased a basic road bike this past spring (Motobecane Sport) and just upgraded to a Giant TCR1 about 3 weeks ago and I'm loving every minute spent on this bike.

[firenze11]

Argh, ok I tried to post pics last night and did it quickly so thought maybe it didn't go through. I tried this morn and read the thing about moderator approval. So if a mod reads this and wants to delete one of them, feel free. I know you all like pics but I don't need to inundate you!

Thanks! I think I should limit my posting to when I'm actually paying more attention.

~E.